Gaming machine

ABSTRACT

A gaming machine includes: a display; an operation unit that allows a player to input commands for playing a game; and a processor that operates to: control the display to perform a variable display of a plurality of symbols in each of a plurality of variable display sections that are arranged in matrix, when a start command is input through the operation unit; perform a lottery to determine stop symbols to be displayed stopped in the variable display sections; control the display to display the stop symbols in the variable display sections after performing the variable display; determine whether or not a symbol combination of the stop symbols satisfies a winning combination; provide an award to the player when determined that the symbol combination of the stop symbols satisfies the winning combination; determine a number of the variable display sections to be assigned as a special variable display section based on a predetermined condition; assign the determined number of the variable display sections as the special variable display section; provide a special award to the player based on the special variable display section, the special award being advantageous to the player.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO THE RELATED APPLICATION(S)

The present application is based upon and claims priority from prior Japanese Patent Application No. 2006-276168, filed on Oct. 10, 2006, the entire content of which are incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a gaming machine that variably displays a plurality of symbols in each of a plurality of variable display sections.

BACKGROUND

As the popularity of gaming machines increases recently, various types of gaming machines have been developed and emerged in the market. Among these gaming machines, many types of gaming machines, in which nine reels are disposed in a 3×3 matrix and total of eight pay lines including three vertical pay lines, three horizontal pay lines, and two diagonal pay lines are provided, have been developed and emerged in the market.

Generally, gaming machines pay out awards to players when symbol combinations stopped on pay lines satisfies winning combinations. However, in order to further improve the enthusiasm of players for games, gaming machines having a type of bonus (also called “Mystery Feature”), which is awarded unexpectedly when a predetermined condition not clarified to the gamers is satisfied, in addition to winning combinations on pay lines have been developed (for example, JP-A-2004-057221, also published as U.S. Pat. No. 6,893,018 B1).

As gaming machines that provide this type of bonus, in order to diversify the games, gaming machines having a bonus (also called “Mystery Odds”) that makes an ordinary award two times to five times when a predetermined condition is satisfied have been proposed (for example, JP-A-2003-180908, also published as US 2003/0130027 A1). This type of gaming machines provide excellent stimulus to the players in a relatively monotonous video slot games, and since games having the “Mystery Odds” can improve the expectation of the players, entertaining features of the games become excellent, whereby the gaming machines become very popular.

However, when the type of bonus disclosed in JP-A-2003-180908 is provided in a gaming machine, the awards are increased two times to five times while the occurrence probability of the winning combinations is the same as a conventional case. Thus, the amounts of payouts for the awards abruptly change and games provided by the gaming machine become high-risk gambling games, which is not appropriate for a gaming machine having moderate payouts.

SUMMARY

One of objects of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine capable of performing moderate payouts while increasing the expectation for acquisition of a large quantity of coins similar to the conventional “Mystery Odds” and provides a surprise for unexpected awards.

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a gaming machine including: a display; an operation unit that allows a player to input commands for playing a game; and a processor that operates to: control the display to perform a variable display of a plurality of symbols in each of a plurality of variable display sections that are arranged in matrix, when a start command is input through the operation unit; perform a lottery to determine stop symbols to be displayed stopped in the variable display sections; control the display to display the stop symbols in the variable display sections after performing the variable display; determine whether or not a symbol combination of the stop symbols satisfies a winning combination; provide an award to the player when determined that the symbol combination of the stop symbols satisfies the winning combination; determine a number of the variable display sections to be assigned as a special variable display section based on a predetermined condition; assign the determined number of the variable display sections as the special variable display section; provide a special award to the player based on the special variable display section, the special award being advantageous to the player.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a gaming machine including: a plurality of variable display sections that display stop symbols after variably displaying a plurality of symbols; a lottery means for performing a lottery for determining the stop symbols to be displayed in the plurality of variable display sections; a determination means for determining whether or not the stop symbols displayed in the plurality of variable display sections include a symbol combination forming a winning combination on the basis of the stop symbols determined by the lottery means; an award providing means for providing an award corresponding to the winning combination when the determination means determines that the stop symbols displayed in the plurality of variable display sections include the symbol combination forming the winning combination; an assignment means for assigning at least one of the variable display sections as a special variable display section; a special advantage awarding means for providing a special advantage that is advantageous to a player on the basis of the special variable display section assigned by the assignment means; and a special variable display section number determination means for determining a number of the special variable display sections on the basis of a predetermined condition, wherein the assignment means assigns the special variable display sections such that the number of the assigned special variable display sections is the same as the number determined by the special variable display section number determination means.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the accompanying drawings:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the overall appearance of a slot machine as a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the slot machine showing the configuration of its internal control system as an example;

FIG. 3 shows a block diagram of a video controller of the slot machine showing its internal configuration as an example;

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a main process that is an operational flow from the start to the end of a game in the slot machine;

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an operational flow of a base game process;

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a stop table as an example;

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of a special variable display section number determination process;

FIG. 8 shows the configuration of a game screen displayed in the slot machine;

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a first example of a special advantage process;

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a second example of the special advantage process;

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a third example of the special advantage process;

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a fourth example of the special advantage process;

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a bonus game process as an example;

FIG. 14 is a partially enlarged diagram of a screen displayed on a main display in a base game process;

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of a screen in a status that a scroll process is started after the status shown in FIG. 14;

FIG. 16 shows an example of a screen for notification of a variable display section assigned as a special variable display section to the player in a variable display section assigning process;

FIG. 17 shows an example of a screen in which stop symbols are displayed on variable display sections after a stop control process following the scroll process shown in FIG. 15 is performed;

FIG. 18 shows an example of a screen in the second example of the special advantage process;

FIG. 19 shows an example of a screen in the third example of the special advantage process;

FIG. 20 shows an example of a screen in the fourth example of the special advantage process;

FIG. 21 is an example of a screen in which a scroll process is performed on the basis of the result of a re-lottery process;

FIG. 22 is an example of a screen in a case where the number of special variable display sections is increased by a special variable display section number determination process;

FIG. 23 is an example of a screen following the screen shown in FIG. 22 in a case where the number of special variable display sections is increased by the special variable display section number determination process;

FIG. 24 is an example of a screen following the screen shown in FIG. 23 in a case where the number of special variable display sections is increased by the special variable display section number determination process; and

FIG. 25 is an example of a screen following the screen shown in FIG. 24 in a case where the number of special variable display sections is increased by the special variable display section number determination process.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the following description, parts substantially the same are denoted with same reference symbols, and redundant explanation will be omitted.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the overall appearance of a slot machine 1. The slot machine 1 is a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention and is configured to perform a variable display game (also referred to as a slot game) using variable display images of a plurality of symbols. The slot machine 1 has a base game mode in which a base game (a base game according to an embodiment of the present invention) started by default from the start of an operation thereof is performed and a bonus game mode in which a bonus game started under a predetermined condition after the base game is performed. The slot machine 1 is configured to be able to perform a variable display game additionally in the bonus game mode.

The slot machine 1 has a main display 3 including a liquid crystal device on the front side of a casing 2. In addition, the slot machine 1 has a sub-display 4 including a liquid crystal device likewise above the main display 3.

In the approximately center of the screen of the main display 3, a variable display area 30 is provided. This variable display area 30, as shown in FIG. 7 to be described later, has a plurality of variable display sections (in the embodiment, total nine variable display sections 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, 3E, 3F, 3G, 3H, and 3I disposed in horizontal three rows X vertical three columns). A scrolling image (an image displayed as if a mechanical reel rotates), in which a plurality of symbols look as if they move from top to bottom are displayed, is configured to be displayed in the variable display sections 3A to 3I included in the variable display area 30 of the main display 3 in both the base game mode and the bonus game mode.

As shown in FIG. 7, since the slot machine 1 has nine variable display sections 3A to 3I, total of eight pay lines L1 to L8 including six lines constituted by three vertical columns and horizontal three rows of the variable display sections 3A to 3I and two diagonal lines of the 3×3 matrix are set.

On the sub-display 4, various information related to the game (for example, a description of game rules, an award table, description of a game) are displayed.

In the slot machine 1, a pedestal portion 11 having substantially horizontal surface is provided at a position lower than the main display 3 is provided. The pedestal portion 11 is provided with a coin insertion slot 6, a bill insertion slot 7, a spin button 8, a 1-BET switch 9, and a MAX-BET switch 10.

The coin insertion slot 6 is provided for the player to insert a game medium such as a coin, a medal, a token, a credit, or the like (hereinafter, simply referred to as a coin) to be bet in a game, and has a coin insertion sensor 6S (see FIG. 2) for transmitting a signal indicative of coin insertion. The bill insertion slot 7 is provided for reception of bills inserted by the player, and has a bill insertion sensor 7S (see FIG. 2) for transmitting a signal indicative of bill insertion. The spin button 8 is provided for the player to perform an operation to start a slot game by displaying scrolling display images of the symbols in the variable display sections 3A to 3I, and has a spin switch 8S (see FIG. 2) for indicating detection of press-down of the spin button 8.

The 1-BET button 9 is provided for placing a bet of one coin in a single operation, and has a 1-BET switch 9S (see FIG. 2) indicating detection of press-down of the 1-BET button 9. The MAX-BET button 10 is provided for placing a bet of the maximum number (for example, five) of coins for one game in a single operation, and has a MAX-BET switch 10S (see FIG. 2) indicating detection of press-down of the MAX-BET button 10.

In addition, the slot machine 1 includes a coin payout opening 13 and a coin receiving tray 14 for receiving coins paid out which are provided on a lower side of the casing 2. Furthermore, speakers 12L and 12R are provided on the left and right sides of the coin payout opening 13.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the slot machine 1 showing its internal control system as an example. The slot machine 1 includes a plurality of components with a microcomputer 31 serving as a core.

The microcomputer 31 includes a main CPU (Central Processing Unit) 32, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 33, and a ROM (Read Only Memory) 34. The main CPU 32 operates as various means featuring the invention based on a program stored in the ROM 34, transmits/receives signals to/from the other components via an I/O port 39, and controls operations of the entire slot machine 1. The RAM 33 stores data and programs which are used when the MAIN CPU 32 is in operation. For example, the RAM 33 temporarily retains random number values sampled by a sampling circuit 36 to be described later, after the game starts. The ROM 34 stores programs to be executed by the main CPU 32 and permanent data.

The slot machine 1 includes a random number generator 35, the sampling circuit 36, a clock pulse generating circuit 37, and a frequency divider 38. The random number generator 35 operates in accordance with an instruction from the main CPU 32 and generates random numbers in a predetermined range. The sampling circuit 36, in accordance with an instruction from the main CPU 32, extracts an arbitrary random number from among the random numbers generated by the random number generator 35 and inputs the extracted random number to the main CPU 32. The clock pulse generating circuit 37 generates a reference clock for operating the main CPU 32, and the frequency divider 38 inputs a signal obtained by dividing the reference clock by a fixed frequency to the main CPU 32.

In addition, the slot machine 1 includes a touch panel 3 a, a lamp driving circuit 59, a lamp 60, a LED driving circuit 61, an LED 62, a hopper driving circuit 63, a hopper 64, a payout completion signal circuit 65, and a coin detecting unit 66. In addition, the slot machine 1 includes a video controller 71 and a sound controller 72.

The touch panel 3 a is provided so as to cover a display screen of the main display 3. The touch panel 3 a detects a position of a spot on the display screen which is touched by a finger of the player and inputs a position signal corresponding to the detected position to the main CPU 32. The lamp driving circuit 59 outputs a signal for turning the lamp 60 on to the lamp 60, and thereby blinking the lamp 60 in the game. By the blinking of the lamp 60, various effects pertaining to the game is performed. The LED driving circuit 61 generates a driving control signal for controlling the blinking of the LED 62 and outputs the driving control signal to the LED 62. The LED 62 displays the number of credits, the number of acquired credits, or the like in accordance with the driving control signal output from the LED driving circuit 61. The hopper driving circuit 63 drives a hopper 64 in accordance with the control of the main CPU 32. The hopper 64 performs an operation for paying out awarded coins and pays out the coins to the coin receiving tray 14 from the payout opening. The coin detecting unit 66 counts the number of coins paid out by the hopper 64 and inputs data for the counted number of coins to the payout completion signal circuit 65. The payout completion signal circuit 65 receives the data for the number of coins input from the coin detecting circuit 66. Then, the payout completion signal circuit 65 inputs a signal indicative of completion of coin payout to the main CPU 32 when the number of the coins reaches a predetermined number.

Here, although the touch panel 3 a, the spin switch 8S, the 1-BET switch 9S, the MAX-BET switch 10S, the coin insertion sensor 6S, and the bill insertion sensor 7S are directly connected to the I/O port 39 for performing input/output (transmission/reception) operations of signals, a subsidiary circuit board (door PCB (Printed Circuit Board)) may be inserted therebetween (between the touch panel 3 a or the like and the I/O port 39) so as to identify a source of a signal such as the touch panel 3 a or the like and the signal may be input/output (transmitted/received) to/from the main CPU 32 by the IO port 39. Similarly, a main circuit board (main PCB (Printed Circuit Board)) may be inserted between the various circuits 59, 61, 63, 65, 71, and 72 disposed on the main body side and the I/O port 39. In such a case, since only signals in use from among signals output from various switches and circuits are transmitted to the main CPU 32 through the I/O port 39, it is possible to reduce a processing load of the main CPU 32 and increase the transmission speed of signals.

The video controller 71 controls image display operations of the main display 3 and the sub display 4 and displays various images such as variable display images of a plurality of symbols, a sub game preparing screen, or the like on the main display 3 and the sub display 4.

FIG. 3 shows a functional block diagram of the video controller 71 showing its configuration as an example.

As shown in FIG. 3, the video controller 71 includes an image control CPU 71 a, a work RAM 71 b, a program ROM 71 c, an image ROM 71 d, a video RAM 71 e, and a VDP (Video Display Processor) 71 f. The image control CPU 71 a, based on a parameter set by the microcomputer 31, determines an image (a reel image, an image of a stop symbol displayed at a time when the scroll display stops, or the like) to be displayed on the main display 3 and the sub display 4 in accordance with an image control program (regarding the display on the main display 3 and the sub display 4) stored in the program ROM 71 c in advance. The work RAM 71 b is configured as a temporary storage to be used at a time when the image control CPU 71 a executes the image control program.

The program ROM 71 c stores the image control program, various selection tables, and the like. The image ROM 71 d stores dot data (bitmap data) for forming an image. In the embodiment, symbol image data representing symbols used in the base game and the bonus game is included in the dot data. The video RAM 71 e is configured as a temporary storage used for the VDP 71 f to form an image. The VDP 71 f includes a control RAM 71 g. The VDP 71 f forms images on the basis of the images to be displayed on the main display 3 and the sub display 4 which have been determined by the image control CPU 71 a, and outputs the formed images to the main display 3 and the sub display 4.

The description of the configuration of the slot machine 1 will now be continued with reference back to FIG. 2.

The sound controller 72 outputs a sound signal, which is used for outputting a sound from the speakers 12L and 12R, to the speakers 12L and 12R. From the speakers 12L and 12R, for example, a sound is output to add excitement to the game at an appropriate time after the game starts.

The operation of the slot machine 1 having the aforementioned configuration will now be described with reference to a flowchart shown in FIG. 4.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an operational flow of a main process from the start to the end of a single round of a game (unit game) in the slot machine 1. In FIG. 4 and thereafter, the term “Step” is abbreviated as “S”.

In the slot machine 1, the main CPU 32 operates as a game progress controller so as to control the progress of a game. When the slot machine 1, more particularly, the main CPU 32, starts the main process as shown in FIG. 4, in the start of the game, a start accepting process (S) is performed at the start of the game in Step 1, a base game process (S2) is performed in the subsequent Step 2 while a base game mode is maintained as a gaming mode, and the process proceeds to Step 3. In Step 3, after receiving a result of a base game lottery process (FIG. 5; S10), to be described later, in the base game process of Step 2, the main CPU 32 determines whether to make a transition of the gaming mode to a bonus game mode on the basis of a transition condition set for transition of the gaming mode to the bonus game mode (S3). When the slot machine 1, more particularly, the main CPU 32, determines that the transition condition is satisfied (S3: Yes), the process proceeds to a bonus game process of Step 4, and then, the process proceeds to a payout process of Step 5. On the other hand, when it is determined that the transition condition is not satisfied in Step 3 (S3: No), the slot machine 1, more particularly, the main CPU 32, proceeds the process to the payout process of Step 5 without performing the bonus game process of Step 4. In the payout process of Step 5, when a wining combination is generated in the base game or the bonus game, the slot machine 1, more particularly, the main CPU 32, performs a coin payout process (a process of instructing the hopper driving circuit 63 to payout coins corresponding to the number of paying-out coins performed by the main CPU 32, and a process of paying out the coins performed by the hopper 64, and a process of inputting a signal from the payout completion signal circuit 65) in accordance with the wining combination and then ends the main process.

Hereinafter, the above-described Steps will be described in detail.

When the process proceeds to the start accepting process of Step 1, first, the slot machine 1 accepts an operation for start of the game from the player in accordance with control of the main CPU 32. Since the slot machine 1 is a coin-operated game machine, in order to start a game, the player first inserts the number of coins to be bet in one round (unit) of the game into the coin insertion slot 6 or operates the 1-BET button 9 or the MAX-BET button 10 in a case where there are remaining credits. Thereafter, the player performs an operation of the spin button 8 (hereinafter, referred to as a start operation). By performing the start operation, a start signal output from the spin switch 8S which has detected the press-down of the spin button 8 is input to the main CPU 32.

Thereafter, the process proceeds to Step 2, and the slot machine 1, more particularly, the main CPU 32, performs a base game process. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the base game process as an example. Hereinafter, the base game process will be described with reference to FIG. 5.

When the process proceeds to the base game process, the slot machine 1, more particularly, the main CPU 32, which serves as a lottery means according to an embodiment of the present invention, first performs a base game lottery process (S10). In the base game lottery process, the main CPU 32 is operated as a symbol determination means and performs a process of determination of the symbol. In this symbol determination process, the main CPU 32 determines the symbols (hereinafter, this symbols are referred to as stop symbols) to be stopped for being displayed by stopping variable display of the symbols on the variable display sections 3A to 3I. Whether the stop symbols satisfy a wining combination depends on whether the stop symbols on the pay lines L1 to L8 form predetermined combinations.

The main CPU 32 of the slot machine 1 instructs the video controller 71 during the base game lottery process (S10) so as to display an image (hereinafter, referred to as a representation image) for representation of the game in the sub display 4.

In the base game lottery process, when detecting the player's start operation on the basis of the start signal, the CPU 32 instructs the random number generator 35 to generate random numbers in a predetermined range in accordance with the detection (that is, in accordance with the start of the game). Then, the main CPU 32 instructs the sampling circuit 36 to extract an arbitrary random number from among the random numbers generated by the random number generator 35. When the random number is extracted, the main CPU 32 acquires a code number of a symbol corresponding to the extracted random number with reference to a symbol determining table (a table in which code numbers (hereinafter, simply referred to as numbers) of symbols linked with random numbers are stored) stored in the ROM 34 by using the random number as a search key.

Next, the slot machine 1, more particularly, the main CPU 32, searches for stop symbols to be stopped for being displayed in the variable display sections 3A to 3I with reference to a stop table 90 shown in FIG. 6 using the acquired code number as a search key.

Now, the configuration of the stop table 90 will be described with reference to FIG. 6. The stop table 90, as shown in FIG. 6, includes a code number area 90 a for storage of code numbers of the symbols and a first symbol area 90 b and a second symbol area 90 c which are used for storage of symbols (or file names of the symbols corresponding to the code numbers, addresses of file storing places of the symbols, file paths of the symbols, or the like). The stop table 90 is configured such that symbols for the variable display sections 3A to 3I can be found by searching the code number area 90 a using the code number as the search key.

In the first symbol area 90 b and the second symbol area 90 c, symbols (or codes of the symbols) are registered in correspondence with code numbers of “0” to “31”. In the first symbol area 90 b, stop symbols to be displayed in variable display sections 3A to 3D and 3F to 3I other than a center variable display section 3E are registered. In the second symbol area 90 c, stop symbols (or codes of the stop symbols) to be stopped for being displayed in the center variable display section 3E are registered. In the embodiment, a symbol (Wild Joker 92) corresponding to a code number “0” of the second symbol area 90 c is configured as a beneficial symbol. This “Wild Joker” 92 indicates a symbol more beneficial than any other symbol to the player and, as shown in FIG. 6, is composed of an image representing a doll's face and a text string of “Wild”.

The slot machine 1 performs total of nine times of the operation for extraction of random numbers and the operation for search of the symbol determining table and the stop table 90 for each of the variable display sections 3A to 3I. In other words, the operation for search of the tables is performed the number of times corresponding to the number of the variable display sections, and thereby the stop symbols for the variable display sections 3A to 3I are determined.

When the stop symbols for the variable display sections 3A to 3I are determined, the main CPU 32, which also serves as determination means according to an embodiment of the present invention, determines whether an award is won with reference to a winning determining table (not shown in the figure) stored in the ROM 34. In the winning determining table, symbol patterns are registered with being linked with combinations (hereinafter, referred to as code number patterns) of code numbers such that determination on whether a code number pattern is a winning symbol pattern or a non-winning symbol pattern can be made for determining award win.

Since, the code number pattern corresponding to the stop symbols has been determined, the main CPU 32 is operated as the determination means and refers to the winning determining table by using the code number pattern corresponding to the stop symbols as the search key, and determines whether a wining combination has been satisfied in the variable display game.

In the special variable display section number determination process, although the number of the special variable display sections is configured to be increased by one each time the predetermined condition is satisfied, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the number of the special variable display sections may be increased by a randomly determined number.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the special variable display section number determination process (S11). Hereinafter, the special variable display section number determination process (S11) will be described with reference to FIG. 7.

When the control proceeds to the special variable display section number determination process, the slot machine 1, more particularly, the main CPU 32, serving as special variable display section number determination means according to an embodiment of the present invention, first, determines whether a counter clear condition is satisfied (S21).

Here, the counter is means for storing the number of the special variable display sections, and, for example, a predetermined storage area of the RAM 33. The number stored in the counter is increased by one when a predetermined condition is satisfied. When a counter clear condition is satisfied, the counter is reset to a predetermined number (for example, “0” or “1”).

Then, a winning state determination process in which the main CPU 32 determines a winning state with reference to a state table (not shown in the figure) is performed (the winning state is also called a winning combination). The state table is used for determination of a state (winning state) from among the winning combinations. In the state table, awards for the winning combination are registered.

When the winning state determination process is completed, the base game lottery process (S10) ends.

The winning combination determination process and the winning state determination process may not be performed in the base game lottery process (S10), and may be performed in a latter special advantage process (S14).

The base game process will now be described with reference back to FIG. 5.

After the base game lottery process (S10) is performed, the slot machine 1, more particularly, the main CPU 32, serving as special variable display section number determination means according to an embodiment of the present invention perform a special variable display section number determination process (S11). The special variable display section number determination process S11 is a process for determining the number of the variable display sections assigned as the special variable display sections in the variable display section assigning process (S12) to be performed.

The counter clear condition is a condition under which the number stored in the counter is reset. The counter clear condition is not limited to a specific condition, and any condition that can be determined by the main CPU 32 may be set as the counter clear condition. As an example of the counter clear condition, achievement of a predetermined winning combination, elapse of a predetermined number of times of games, stop display of a predetermined symbol on a predetermined variable display section (or special variable display section), or the like may be set.

In the counter clear condition determination process (S21), when the main CPU 32 determines that the counter clear condition is satisfied (S21: Yes), the main CPU 32 clears the value stored in the counter to be zero (S23). When the value stored in the counter is zero, any variable display section is not assigned as a special variable display section in the special variable display section assigning process (S12 shown in FIG. 5), that is, assignment of the special variable display section is not performed. After the counter is cleared (S23), the main CPU 32 ends the special variable display section number determination process, and returns the process back to original base game process (FIG. 5).

On the other hand, when the main CPU 32 determines that the counter clear condition is not satisfied (S21: No) in the counter clear condition determination process (S21), the main CPU 32 determines whether an increasing condition is satisfied (S22). The increasing condition is a condition under which the number of the special variable display sections is increased, and may be any condition that can be determined by the main CPU 32. Examples of the increasing condition are achievement of a predetermined winning combination, elapse of a predetermined number of times of games, stop display of a predetermined symbol on a predetermined variable display section (or special variable display section), or the like

In the increasing condition determination process (S22), when the main CPU 32 determines that the increasing condition is satisfied (S22: Yes), the main CPU 32 increases (increments) the value stored in the counter by one (S24). When the value stored in the counter is increased by one, one more variable display sections are assigned as the special variable display sections in the variable display section assigning process performed thereafter. After performing the increase in the value of the counter (S24), the main CPU 32 ends the special variable display section number determination process and returns the process back to the original base game process (FIG. 5).

On the other hand, when the main CPU 32 determines that the increasing condition is not satisfied (S22: No) in the increasing condition determination process (S22), the main CPU 32 immediately ends the special variable display section number 24 determination process without performing any process and returns the process back to the original base game process (FIG. 5).

The base game process will now be described with reference back to FIG. 5.

After the variable display section determination process (S11) is performed, the slot machine 1, more particularly, the main CPU 32, serving as assignment means according to an embodiment of the present invention performs a variable display section assigning process (S12). In the variable display section assigning process, the slot machine 1, more particularly, the main CPU 32, assigns one or a plurality of variable display sections from among the variable display sections 3A to 3I as a special variable display section.

The assigned variable display section becomes a special variable display section (also called “Mystery Position”). When there is the special variable display section, the slot machine 1, more particularly, the main CPU 32, provides a special advantage that makes the player beneficial for acquisition of a gaming value in a special advantage process (S14) to be described later.

The assignment of the variable display section may be determined by the slot machine 1, more particularly, the main CPU 32. For example, the slot machine 1, more particularly, the main CPU 32, may randomly assigns or determine the variable display section by performing a lottery using random numbers. Alternatively, the slot machine 1, more particularly, the main CPU 32, may urge the player to assigns the variable display section and assigns the variable display section on the basis of the player's input. For example, the slot machine 1, more particularly, the main CPU 32, displays a message of “PLEASE TOUCH A REEL DESIRED TO BE A MYSTERY POSITION” or the like on the main display 3 or the sub-display 4. The player inputs assignment of the variable display section by touching the variable display section desired to be assigned in accordance with this message. Then, the touch panel 3 a detects a touched position and transmits the detected touched position to the slot machine 1, more particularly, the main CPU 32. Then, the slot machine 1, more particularly, the main CPU 32, recognizes the assigned variable display section.

As described above, the number of the variable display sections to be assigned is not limited to one, and may be two or more as long as the number is determined in the special variable display section number determination process (S11). When there is a plurality of the variable display sections to be assigned, it may be configured that some variable display sections are assigned by the slot machine 1, and more particularly, by the main CPU 32 and other variable display sections are assigned by the player.

After the variable display section assigning process (S12) is performed, the slot machine 1, more particularly, the main CPU 32, performs a scroll process (S13).

FIG. 8 shows the configuration of a game screen according to an embodiment of the present invention as an example. On the main display 3 of the slot machine 1, the game screen as shown in FIG. 8 is displayed. On the main display 3, the above-described nine variable display sections 3A to 3I are formed. The nine variable display sections 3A to 3I constitute the variable display area 30. Above the variable display area 30, a title display unit 83 including a text string for displaying “BONUS-SPIN” and a description of the game is displayed. In addition, below the variable display area 30, a meter display unit 84 having a BET number display section 84 a, a PAID number display section 84 b, a coin insertion and payout display section 84 c, and a CREDIT (credit) number display section 84 d is displayed. In addition, eight BET number display sections 82 a for displaying the BET numbers for each pay line are disposed so as to surround the variable display sections 3A to 3I.

After the game is started, the scroll process, in which symbols are changed to be displayed on the variable display sections 3A to 3I of the main display 3 as if reels having symbol arrays on their peripheries rotate, is performed in accordance with an instruction of the main CPU 32.

Now, the description of the base game process will be continued with reference back to FIG. 5.

When the process proceeds to Step 14 after the scroll process is performed (S13), the slot machine 1, more particularly, the main CPU 32, performs the stop control process (S14). The stop control process stops the stop symbols, corresponding to the result of the base game lottery process (S10), to be displayed in the variable display sections 3A to 3I while a predetermined representation process such as a process of reducing the speed of scrolling the symbols performed in the above-described scroll process (S13) is performed. When the stop symbols are displayed after Step 12 is completed, the stop control process (S14) ends, and the process proceeds to a special advantage process (S15).

The special advantage process is performed by the main CPU 32 serving as special advantage providing unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. The special advantage process provides a special advantage that is more advantageous in acquisition of the gaming value on the basis of the special variable display section. The special advantage may have various contents so as to increase amusement of the game, achieve continuation or increase of the player's enthusiasm for the game. A plurality of examples of the special advantage process will be described as follows.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a first example of the special advantage process.

In the example shown in FIG. 9, a symbol role changing process (S31), in which the stop symbol of the special variable display section is treated as a predetermined symbol instead of the stop symbol in the above-described win determination process and the winning state determination process, is performed as the special advantage. For example, it is assumed that the stop symbol of a special variable display section is a “cherry” and the predetermined symbol is a “Wild Joker”. Here, the “Wild joker” is a so-called almighty symbol and is treated as a substitute for all the other symbols.

In such a case, the slot machine 1, more particularly, the main CPU 32, substitutes the stop symbol with the “Wild Joker” in the symbol role changing process (S31) and performs the win determination process and the winning state determination process again, as in the above-described base game lottery process (S10). The substitution of the symbol may not be accompanied with change of the symbol.

The predetermined symbol may be fixedly predetermined or may be changeable. Furthermore, the predetermined symbol may be a desired symbol selected by the player prior to start of the game or stop of the variable display. For example, the slot machine 1 may allow the player to select the symbol to be stopped for being displayed on the special variable display section from among a plurality of symbol candidates (for example, a cherry symbol, a seven symbol, a bar symbol, a double bar symbol, a triple bar symbol, or the like) during the scroll process (S13).

After the symbol role changing process (S31) is performed, the slot machine 1, more particularly, the main CPU 32, performs the win determination process and the winning state determination process as in the above-described base game lottery process (S10). Then, when a winning combination is satisfied, the main CPU 32 determines a corresponding award (S32).

As described above, the slot machine 1, more particularly, the main CPU 32, ends the special advantage process, and returns the process back to the base game process (see FIG. 5). When the process is returned back to the base game process, the slot machine 1, more particularly, the main CPU 32, ends the base game process, and returns the process back to the main process (see FIG. 4).

Hereinafter, a second example of the special advantage process (S15) will be described.

In the second example of the special advantage process, a predetermined award is provided to the player under a condition that the special variable display section is located on (included in) the pay line on which a winning combination is satisfied in the previous base game lottery process (S10).

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the second example of the special advantage process.

In the second example of the special advantage process, the slot machine 1, more particularly, the main CPU 32, determines whether the special variable display section is located on (included in) the pay line on which a winning combination is satisfied (S41). When it is determined that the special variable display section is not located on the pay line on which the winning combination is satisfied (S41: No), the slot machine 1, more particularly, the main CPU 32, does not perform any process and immediately ends the special advantage process (S15). On the other hand, when it is determined that the special variable display section is located on the pay line on which the winning combination is satisfied (S41: Yes), the slot machine 1, more particularly, the main CPU 32, provides a predetermined award (S42). For example, when the special variable display section displaying a stop symbol of “cheery” is located on the pay line on which the winning combination of “cherry:cherry:cherry” has been achieved, a predetermined award (paying out additional 100 coins, doubling the award, starting a bonus game, or the like) is provided to the player. The “predetermined award” described above may be any type of award that is advantageous to the player in a game such as awarding coins, improving a winning ratio, providing a bonus game, or providing a free game.

Thereafter, the slot machine 1, more particularly, the main CPU 32, ends the special advantage process, and returns the process back to the base game process (see FIG. 5). When the process is returned back to the base game process, the slot machine 1, more particularly, the main CPU 32, ends the base game process, and returns the process back to the main process (see FIG. 4).

In addition, when there are a plurality of the special variable display sections, the predetermined award may be set such that the predetermined award becomes more advantageous to the gamer as the number of the special variable display sections located on the pay line increases (for example, the number of coins provided increases as the number of the special variable display sections located on the pay line increases, or the like).

Hereinafter, a third example of the special advantage process will be described.

In the third example of the special advantage process, when a plurality of the special variable display sections are set or assigned, a predetermined award is provided to the player under a condition that the special variable display sections have a predetermined positional relationship, for example, a condition that the special variable display sections are adjacent. The “predetermined positional relationship” means that there is a predetermined positional relationship among the plurality of the special variable display sections. For example, there may be the positional relationship in which the plurality of the special variable display sections are positioned on the same row, on the same line, on a diagonal line, in adjacent locations, or the like.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the third example of the special advantage process. Here, the predetermined positional relationship in the third example of the special advantage process is described as a relationship in which the plurality of special variable display sections are positioned to be adjacent to each other. Although the “predetermined award” means the same as described in the second example of the special advantage process, however, as an example thereof, the predetermined award is described as setting a special pay line.

In the third example of the special advantage process, the slot machine 1, more particularly, the main CPU 32, determines whether the plurality of special variable display sections are adjacent to each other (S51). Here, “being adjacent” means to be adjacent to each other in a horizontal, a vertical, or a diagonal direction.

When it is determined that the plurality of the special variable display sections are not adjacent (S51: No), the slot machine 1, more particularly, the main CPU 32, does not perform any process and immediately ends the special advantage process. On the other hand, when it is determined that the plurality of the special variable display sections are adjacent (S51: Yes), the slot machine 1, more particularly, the main CPU 32, sets a special pay line (S52). The special pay line is different from the ordinary pay lines L1 to L8. For example, the special pay line may a pay line, which passes through the variable display sections 3A, 3E, and 3C, having a letter “V” shape.

The slot machine 1, more particularly, the main CPU 32, performs the win determination process, the winning combination determination process, and the winning state determination process for the special pay line (S53). When the winning combination is satisfied, the main CPU 32 of the slot machine 1 determines a corresponding award.

When completing the win determination process and the like (S53), the slot machine 1, more particularly, the main CPU 32, ends the special advantage process, and returns the process back to the base game process (see FIG. 5). When the process is returned back to the base game process, the slot machine 1, more particularly, the main CPU 32, ends the base game process, and returns the process back to the main process (see FIG. 4).

By performing the above-described special advantage process, since an award may be won for the special pay line in addition to the ordinary pay lines, it is possible to enable the player to play the game in a more advantageous state.

Hereinafter, a fourth example of the special advantage process will be described.

In the fourth example of the special advantage process, a predetermined award is provided to the player when a stop sequence that is determined by time, at which the variable display of the symbols are stopped (display of the stop symbols) on the special variable display section, satisfies a predetermined condition.

The variable display of the variable display sections 3A to 3I ends by performing the above-described scroll process (S13) and stop control process (S14), and thereby stop symbols are displayed on the variable display sections 3A to 3I. However, in this fourth example, the stop of the variable display of the variable display sections 3A to 3I is not necessarily performed simultaneously, and the time for the variable display of each of the variable display sections 3A to 3I is set independently, and the stop control process (S14) is performed such that timings of stopping the stop symbols are not necessarily the same with each other. For example, after the scroll display processes for the variable display sections 3A to 3I are performed simultaneously, in the stop control process (S14), the variable display section 3B is firstly brought into a stop display state, next, the variable display section 3F is brought into a stop display state, and finally, the variable display section 3A is brought into a stop display state. As a result, the whole variable display sections 3A to 3I are brought into in the stop display state. Accordingly, the order of the stop display of the variable display sections is determined. In the fourth example of the special advantage process, a predetermined award is awarded when a predetermined condition on the basis of the order of this stop display processes is satisfied.

Here, the predetermined condition may be any condition that can be determined on the basis of the order of the stop display processes of the special variable display sections. Examples of the predetermined condition are as follows.

(1) A condition in which the stop display of the special variable display section is performed in the last order (when there are a plurality of special variable display sections, the stop display of any one of the special variable display sections is performed in the last order.

(2) A condition in which the order of the stop display of the special variable display section is within a predetermined range (for example, any order from the first to the third).

(3) A condition in which the order of the stop display of the special variable display section is a predetermined order (for example, even, odd, (multiples of N)-th (here, N is an arbitrary integer), or the like).

Although the “predetermined award” means any award that is advantageous to the player as described in the second and third examples of the special advantage process, however, the predetermined award is regarded as performing a re-lottery process in this example. The re-lottery process is a process in which new stop symbols of the variable display sections are determined by performing a lottery and the scroll process (S13) and the stop control process (S14) are performed so as to display the determined stop symbols on the corresponding variable display sections.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the fourth example of the special advantage process.

In the fourth example of the special advantage process, first, the slot machine 1, more particularly, the main CPU 32, determines whether the stop sequence of the special variable display sections satisfies a predetermined condition (S61).

Next, the slot machine 1, more particularly, the main CPU 32, performs the above-described re-lottery process (S62).

Finally, the slot machine 1, more particularly, the main CPU 32, performs the win determination process, the winning combination determination process, and the winning state determination process (see S32) for each pay line on the basis of the stop symbols of the variable display sections 3A to 3I that have been determined in the re-lottery process (S62). Then, when the winning combination is satisfied, a corresponding award is determined (S63). Accordingly, the player can acquire a special advantage that an award on the basis of the re-lottery process in addition to an award acquired before the performance of the re-lottery process (S62) can be acquired.

When the win determination process and the like (S63) is completed, the slot machine 1, more particularly, the main CPU 32, ends the special advantage process, and returns the process back to the base game process (see FIG. 5). When the process is returned back to the base game process, the slot machine 1, more particularly, the main CPU 32, ends the base game process, and returns the process back to the main process (see FIG. 4).

Alternatively, the re-lottery process (S62) may be modified as follows.

(1) When a winning combination is satisfied before the re-lottery process is performed, both an award corresponding to the winning combination that has been achieved before the re-lottery process and an award corresponding to the winning combination that has been achieved after the re-lottery process may be provided to the player. In such a case, the player does not have any disadvantage even in a case where the award corresponding to the winning combination that has been achieved before the re-lottery process is higher than the award corresponding to the winning combination that has been achieved after the re-lottery process.

(2) The number of times of the re-lottery processes performed is not limited to one, and a plurality of times of the re-lottery processes (S62) and the win determination processes and the like (S63) may be performed in one special advantage process (S15). An award may be provided at each re-lottery process. Furthermore, the number of times of the re-lottery processes in one special advantage process may be randomly determined by a lottery process or any other method.

(3) When the re-lottery process is performed, the scroll process (S13) and the stop control process (S14) may be performed for the whole or some variable display sections 3A to 3I by using a symbol determining table and/or a stop table other than the symbol determining table and/or the stop table which have been used in the base game process (S2). In other words, the re-lottery process may be performed by using a reel (referred to as a re-lottery reel) having a symbol array other than the symbol array used in the base game.

For example, the scroll process (S13) and the stop control process (S14) may be performed by using a symbol determining table and/or a stop table which have symbol arrays constituted by only the stop symbols displayed on the variable display sections 3A to 3I except for the special variable display sections right before the re-lottery process is performed. For example, when the stop symbols displayed on the variable display sections 3A to 3I except for the special variable display sections are “Wild Joker” symbols and empty symbols, the variable display and stop display processes of the symbols on the variable display sections 3A to 3I may be performed such that a reel having a symbol array including only the “Wild Joker” symbols and empty symbols rotates.

The variable display sections that perform the variable display and stop display processes by using the re-lottery reel may not be the whole variable display sections 3A to 3I and may be limited to the variable display sections assigned by the player or randomly determined by the slot machine 1.

Now, the description of the main process will be continued 39 with reference back to FIG. 4.

When the base game process (S2) ends, the process proceeds to Step 3, and the slot machine 1, more particularly, the main CPU 32, operates as transition determination means. The slot machine 1, more particularly, the main CPU 32, performs a transition determination process (S3), in which whether a transition condition for transiting the gaming mode from the base game mode to a bonus game that is a bonus game mode is satisfied is determined, on the basis of the result of the symbol determination process in the base game lottery process (S10) or the special advantage process (S15).

When the slot machine 1, more particularly, the main CPU 32, determines that the transition condition is satisfied, it determines that transition can be made. The transition condition is satisfied, for example, when the stop symbol of the variable display section 3E is “Wild Joker” 92. Alternatively, the transition condition may be satisfied by a combination of predetermined symbols.

When it is determined that the transition condition in the above example is satisfied (S3: Yes), an image (center Joker image) in which “Wild Joker” 92 is displayed as the stop symbol of the variable display section 3E and an image representing a message of “GET THE SPECIAL BONUS! !” are displayed on the main display 3. In addition, the main CPU 32 operates as a transition unit and shifts the gaming mode to the bonus game mode. When the gaming mode is transited to the bonus game mode, the process proceeds to Step 4, and a bonus game process (S4) is performed.

FIG. 13 shows a flowchart representing an example of the bonus game process.

Although the bonus game is described as a predetermined number (for example, ten times) of free games in this example for the description of the bonus game process, a bonus game provided by the slot machine 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention is not limited thereto, and any other game that provides a bonus game advantageous to the player may be provided as the bonus game.

When the bonus game process (S4) is started, the slot machine 1, more particularly, the main CPU 32, sequentially performs a bonus game lottery process (S71), a variable display section number determination process (S72), a variable display section assigning process (S73), a bonus game scroll process (S74), a bonus game stop control process (S75), and a special advantage process (S76). By performing the processes from the bonus game lottery process (S71) to the special advantage process (S76), performing of the free game for one time is completed.

Since the bonus game lottery process (S71), the variable display section number determination process (S72), the variable display section assigning process (S73), the bonus game scroll process (S74), the bonus game stop control process (S75), and the special advantage process (S76) are the same as the base game lottery process (S10), the variable display section number determination process (S11), the special variable display section assigning process (S12), the scroll process (S13), the stop control process (S14), and the special advantage process (S15) of the base game process (S2), detailed descriptions thereof is omitted here.

After the special advantage process (76) is performed, the slot machine 1, more particularly, the main CPU 32, determines whether free games are performed a predetermined number of times (S77). When it is determined that the free games are performed for the predetermined number of times (S77: Yes), the slot machine 1, more particularly, the main CPU 32, ends the bonus game process and returns the process back to the main process. On the other hand, when it is determined that the free games are not performed for the predetermined number of times (S77: No), the slot machine 1, more particularly, the main CPU 32, returns the process back to the bonus game lottery process (S71) so as to continue to perform the bonus game process for performing the free games for the remaining number of times, and continues to perform the bonus game process.

Next, an example of a screen displayed on the main display 3, and more particularly, an example of display on the variable display sections 3A to 3I will be described as a description of an example of the operation of the slot machine 1.

FIG. 14 is a partially enlarged diagram of a screen (see 42 FIG. 8) displayed on the main display 3 in the base game process and shows a variable display area 30. The screen shown in FIG. 14 is an example of display of the variable display area 30 after the previous game is over and before the scroll process (S12) thereafter is started. On this screen, the stop symbols in the previous game remain to be displayed on the variable display sections 3A to 3I.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of the screen in a status in which the scroll process (S12) is started after the status shown in FIG. 12. In the variable display sections, variable display (scroll display) of symbols is performed. Arrows illustrated in the variable display sections 3A to 3I indicates that the screen is in the process of variable display (scroll display).

FIG. 16 shows an example of a screen, which has transited to be displayed from the screen shown in FIG. 15, for notification of a variable display section assigned as a special variable display section to the player in the variable display section assigning process (S12). In this example, the variable display section 3A is assigned as the special variable display section. On the main display 3, in order to notify that the variable display section 3A is assigned as the special variable display section, a frame 1501 surrounding the variable display section 3A is displayed. By this frame 1501, the player can recognize that a variable display section is assigned as the special variable display section and which variable display section is assigned as the special variable display section. Although the display of the frame 1501 is illustrated to be performed after the scroll process (S13) is started, in FIGS. 14 to 16, the display of the frame 1501 may be performed before the scroll process (S13) is started.

FIG. 17 shows an example of the screen in which the stop symbols are displayed on the variable display sections 3A to 3I after the stop control process (S14) following the scroll process shown in FIG. 16 is performed.

In the example shown in FIG. 17, on any of the pay lines L1 to L8, a winning combination of the symbols has not been achieved. However, in the above-described first example (see FIG. 8) of the special advantage process (S15), since a symbol “cherry” of the variable display section 3A, which is the special variable display section, is treated as the almighty symbol “Wild Joker” by the symbol role changing process (S31), it is determined that a winning combination of “Single Bar:Single Bar:Single Bar” has been achieved on the pay line L2. As a result, the player can acquire an award corresponding to the winning combination of “Single Bar:Single Bar:Single Bar” as a special advantage.

Next, an example of a screen in the above-described second example (see FIG. 10) of the special advantage process will be described. FIG. 18 shows an example of a screen in the second example (see FIG. 10) of the special advantage process and is an example of a screen displayed on the main display 3 after the status shown in FIG. 16.

In this example, the symbol stopped to be displayed on the variable display section 3A, which is a special variable display section, is “Signal Bar”, and the winning combination of “Single Bar:Single Bar:Single Bar” is achieved on the pay line L2.

Accordingly, the condition for awarding the special advantage in which the special variable display section is located on a pay line, on which a winning combination is achieved (won), is satisfied. Accordingly, the slot machine 1, more particularly, the main CPU 32, performs a predetermined award awarding (see S42 in FIG. 10) so as to award a predetermined award (for example, payout of 100 coins) in addition to the award for the winning combination of “Single Bar: Single Bar:Single Bar”.

Next, an example of a screen in the above-described third example (see FIG. 11) of the special advantage process will be described. FIG. 19 shows an example of a screen in the third example of the special advantage process and is an example of a screen displayed on the main display 3 after the status shown in FIG. 16.

In the third example of the special advantage process shown in FIG. 19, two special variable display sections are assigned. In other words, a variable display section 3A and a variable display section 3B are assigned as special variable display sections and are displayed to be surrounded by frames 1501 and 1502 used for indicating the special variable display sections.

In this example, a condition for awarding the special advantage in the third example of the special advantage process, in which the special variable units are adjacent to each other, is satisfied. As a result, the slot machine 1, more particularly, the main CPU 32, performs a special pay line setting process (S52 in FIG. 11). In the example shown in FIG. 19, a special pay line L9, which has a letter “V” shape, passing through the variable display sections 3A, 3E, and 3C is set in addition to the ordinary pay lines L1 to L8. In this example, the winning combination of “Double Bar:Double Bar:Double Bar” is achieved on the special pay line L9. The slot machine 1, more particularly, the main CPU 32, performs an win determination process and the like (S53) and pays out an award corresponding to the winning combination of “Double Bar:Double Bar:Double Bar” achieved on the special pay line L9.

Next, an example of a screen in the above-described fourth example (see FIG. 12) of the special advantage process will be described. FIG. 20 shows an example of a screen in the fourth example of the special advantage process and is an example of a screen displayed on the main display 3 after the status shown in FIG. 16.

In the example shown in FIG. 20, display of stop symbols except for the variable display section 3A, which is selected as the special variable display section, is completed, and a scroll display process is continued for the variable display section 3A selected as the special variable display section. Then, display of a stop symbol on the variable display section 3A selected as the special variable display section is performed finally. It is assumed that the status of the screen, after display of the stop symbol on the variable display section 3A selected as the special variable display section is finally performed, is the same as the screen shown in FIG. 16.

As described above, in the fourth example of the special advantage process, the slot machine 1, more particularly, the main CPU 32, performs a re-lottery process (S62 in FIG. 12) when the stop sequence of the special variable display sections satisfies a predetermined condition. FIG. 21 is an example of a screen in which a scroll process is performed on the basis of the result of the re-lottery process (S62). In this example, it is shown that the scroll display is performed on the variable display sections 3B to 3I other than the variable display section 3A which is the special variable display section. When the scroll display for the variable display sections is completed, stop symbols determined on the basis of the result of the re-lottery are displayed on the variable display sections 3B to 3I, an win determination process and the like are performed on the basis of the stop symbols (S63), and the corresponding award is paid out in a case where a winning combination is achieved.

Next, an example of a screen in a case where the number of the special variable display sections is increased by the special variable display section number determination process (S11 shown in FIG. 5) will be described.

FIG. 22 is a screen in a status in which the stop symbols for the variable display sections 3A to 3I are determined by performing the base game lottery process (S10) of the base game process (see FIG. 5). Since the scroll process (S13) and the stop control process (S14) are not completed when the base game lottery process (S10) is performed, the stop symbols are not actually displayed as such, but, for the convenience of description with reference to FIG. 22, the stop symbols are shown on the variable display sections 3A to 3I.

In the example shown in FIG. 22, it is assumed that the increasing condition is satisfied when the stop symbol of the center variable display section 3E is “Wild Joker”. In addition, it is assumed that the number of the special variable display sections prior to the state shown in FIG. 22 is zero, that is, the value of the counter is zero. Accordingly, a frame indicative of a special variable display section is not displayed on any of the variable display sections 3A to 3I.

In the state shown in FIG. 22, as a condition for increasing the number of the special variable display sections, the condition in which the stop symbol of the center variable display section 3E is “Wild Joker” is satisfied, and thus the main CPU32 performs the process of Step S24 (see FIG. 7) so as to increase the value of the counter by one from zero to one.

FIG. 23 shows an example of a screen at a time when the stop control process is performed in a state that the CPU 32 performs the variable display section assigning process (S12 shown in FIG. 5) so as to assigns one special variable display section as the number of the special variable display sections becomes one in the state shown in FIG. 22. In this example, the variable display section 3A located in the upper left corner is assigned as one special variable display section, and the frame 1501 for indicating the special variable display section is displayed so as to surround the variable display section 3A.

In the state shown in FIG. 23, one unit game is completed.

FIG. 24 is a screen in a state that the stop symbols for the variable display sections 3A to 3I are determined in a new base game process (S2) after the state shown in FIG. 23, and more particularly, in a new base game after a base game lottery process (S10) is newly performed. Since the scroll process (S13) and the stop control process (S14) are not completed when the base game lottery process (S10) is performed, the stop symbols are not actually displayed as such, but, for the convenience of description with reference to FIG. 24, the stop symbols are shown on the variable display sections 3A to 3I.

In the example shown in FIG. 24, it is assumed that the number of the special variable display sections prior to the state shown in FIG. 24 is one, that is, the value of the counter is one, as described above. Accordingly, a frame 1501 indicative of a special variable display section is displayed so as to surround the variable display section 3A.

In the state shown in FIG. 24, as a condition for increasing the number of the special variable display sections, the condition in which the stop symbol of the center variable display section 3E is “Wild Joker” is satisfied, and thus the main CPU32 performs the process of Step S24 (see FIG. 7) so as to increase the value of the counter by one from one to two.

FIG. 25 shows an example of a screen at a time when the stop control process is performed in a state that the CPU 32 performs the variable display section assigning process (S12 shown in FIG. 5) so as to assigns two special variable display sections as the value of the counter indicating the number of the special variable display sections becomes two in the state shown in FIG. 24. In this example, it is assumed that the variable display section 3I located in the lower right corner is newly assigned as the second special variable display section in addition to the variable display section 3A located in the upper left corner which has been assigned as the first special variable display section. As a result, while the frame 1501 indicating the special variable display section continues to be displayed so as to surround the variable display section 3A, a new frame 1502 is displayed so as to surround the variable display section 3I.

Thereafter, similarly, the number of the special variable display sections is increased by one each time the increasing condition is satisfied, and thereby the player can play the game under an advantageous condition. Although not shown in the figure, when the counter clear condition (see S21 shown in FIG. 7) is satisfied, the number of the special variable display sections is reset to zero.

The above described embodiment may be modified as follows.

(1) In the above-described embodiment, although nine variable display sections are provided, however, the number of the variable display sections is not limited thereto and may be three or five. In addition, the variable display sections may be displayed in one line by being vertically aligned in one row (for example, when the number of the special variable display sections is three).

(2) A variable display section may be assigned as a special variable display section for each unit game of the base game or the bonus game. The variable display section may be assigned by the main CPU 32 or the player that is assignment means. In addition, the position of the assigned special variable display section may be fixed until the counter clear condition is satisfied.

As described in the above with reference to the embodiment, there is provided a gaming machine that includes: a display; an operation unit that allows a player to input commands for playing a game; and a processor that operates to: control the display to perform a variable display of a plurality of symbols in each of a plurality of variable display sections that are arranged in matrix, when a start command is input through the operation unit; perform a lottery to determine stop symbols to be displayed stopped in the variable display sections; control the display to display the stop symbols in the variable display sections after performing the variable display; determine whether or not a symbol combination of the stop symbols satisfies a winning combination; provide an award to the player when determined that the symbol combination of the stop symbols satisfies the winning combination; determine a number of the variable display sections to be assigned as a special variable display section based on a predetermined condition; assign the determined number of the variable display sections as the special variable display section; provide a special award to the player based on the special variable display section, the special award being advantageous to the player.

There is also provided a gaming machine that includes: a plurality of variable display sections that display stop symbols after variably displaying a plurality of symbols; a lottery means (for example, a main CPU) for performing a lottery for determining the stop symbols to be displayed on the plurality of variable display sections; a determination means (for example, a main CPU) for determining whether or not the stop symbols displayed on the plurality of variable display sections include a symbol combination forming a winning combination on the basis of the stop symbols drawn in the lottery performed by the lottery means; an award providing means (for example, a main CPU, a hopper driving circuit, and a payout completion signal circuit) for providing an award corresponding to the winning combination when the determination means have determined that the stop symbols displayed on the plurality of variable display sections include the symbol combination forming the winning combination; an assignment means (for example, a main CPU) for assigning at least one of the plurality of variable display sections as a special variable display section (for example, a Mystery Position); a special advantage awarding means (for example, a main CPU) for providing a special advantage advantageous to a player on the basis of the special variable display section assigned by the assignment means; a special advantage awarding means for providing a special advantage that is advantageous to a player on the basis of the special variable display section assigned by the assignment means; and a special variable display section number determination means for determining a number of the special variable display sections on the basis of a predetermined condition. The assignment means assigns the special variable display sections such that the number of the assigned special variable display sections is the same as the number determined by the special variable display section number determination means.

In the gaming machine according to this aspect of the invention, a special advantage is provided to a player on the basis of a special variable display section in addition to payouts for the winning combinations of base games or the like, and accordingly, it is possible to further improve the enthusiasm of a player for the game.

The gaming machine may include the following feature. The special variable display section number determination means of the gaming machine may increase the number of the special variable display sections in a case where the predetermined condition is satisfied.

According to the gaming machine according to the present invention, a special advantage is provided to a player on the basis of a special variable display section in addition to payouts for the winning combinations of base games or the like, and accordingly, it is possible to further improve the enthusiasm of the player for the game.

The present invention may be applied to any kind of gaming machines that variably displays a plurality of symbols, such as a slot machine, a pachinko machine, or other gaming machines. 

1. A gaming machine comprising: a display; an operation unit that allows a player to input commands for playing a game; and a processor that operates to: control the display to perform a variable display of a plurality of symbols in each of a plurality of variable display sections that are arranged in matrix, when a start command is input through the operation unit; perform a lottery to determine stop symbols to be displayed stopped in the variable display sections; control the display to display the stop symbols in the variable display sections after performing the variable display; determine whether or not a symbol combination of the stop symbols satisfies a winning combination; provide an award to the player when determined that the symbol combination of the stop symbols satisfies the winning combination; determine a number of the variable display sections to be assigned as a special variable display section based on a predetermined condition; assign the determined number of the variable display sections as the special variable display section; provide a special award to the player based on the special variable display section, the special award being advantageous to the player.
 2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the processor determines the number of the variable display sections to be assigned as the special variable display section based on the stop symbols displayed in the variable display sections.
 3. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the processor increases the number of the variable display sections to be assigned as the special variable display section when the predetermined condition is satisfied.
 4. A gaming machine comprising: a plurality of variable display sections that display stop symbols after variably displaying a plurality of symbols; a lottery means for performing a lottery for determining the stop symbols to be displayed in the plurality of variable display sections; a determination means for determining whether or not the stop symbols displayed in the plurality of variable display sections include a symbol combination forming a winning combination on the basis of the stop symbols determined by the lottery means; an award providing means for providing an award corresponding to the winning combination when the determination means determines that the stop symbols displayed in the plurality of variable display sections include the symbol combination forming the winning combination; an assignment means for assigning at least one of the variable display sections as a special variable display section; a special advantage awarding means for providing a special advantage that is advantageous to a player on the basis of the special variable display section assigned by the assignment means; and a special variable display section number determination means for determining a number of the special variable display sections on the basis of a predetermined condition, wherein the assignment means assigns the special variable display sections such that the number of the assigned special variable display sections is the same as the number determined by the special variable display section number determination means.
 5. The gaming machine according to claim 4, wherein the special variable display section number determination means determines the number of the special variable display sections based on the stop symbols displayed by the variable display sections.
 6. The gaming machine according to claim 4, wherein the special variable display section number determination means increases the number of the special variable display sections where the predetermined condition is satisfied. 